David C. Onley, who served as Ontario’s 28th lieutenant governor, has died at the age of 72, the lieutenant governor’s office announced Saturday night.
Serving from 2007 to 2014, Onley was the first person with a disability to hold the position, the lieutenant governor said in a statement. Elizabeth Dowdswell reads.
“Whenever Mr. Onley walked into a room, those present saw beyond physical limitations. They were seeing a person they liked and admired,” she said. “There is no question that his legacy has positively impacted the lives of people in Ontario.”
Onley had disabilities resulting from polio. Before taking the position, he had a career in broadcast journalism that included a focus on science and technology reporting, Dowdeswell said.
He then chaired the Accessibility Standards Advisory Board and served on the accessibility boards for the Rogers Center and the Air Canada Centre, she said, describing Onley as an “active advocate” for improved access to work for people with disabilities.
Later in life, Dowdeswell said, he acted as a special adviser on accessibility to the Ontario government and as a senior lecturer at the University of Toronto Scarborough.
Onley is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann, and children, Jonathan, Robert and Michael, Dowdeswell said.
“Man of Dignity”
Politicians and advocates remembered Onley’s character after the news of his death.
“He was a man of such dignity and such respect for the political process and the need to analyze what was going on. I have such deep respect for him,” former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne told CBC News Network on Saturday.
“It was so clear that he was excited to be in the role of lieutenant governor, but his passion was to demonstrate that everyone should have a chance to live life to the fullest,” Wynn said of his advocacy for people with disabilities.
WATCH | David Onley reflects on his time as lieutenant governor as he ends his term:
Lt. Gov. David Onley looks back
Outgoing Ontario Lieutenant Governor David Onley is looking back on his tenure at Queen’s Park.
Onley was a “proud” graduate of the University of Toronto Scarborough, where he returned to teaching after leaving his post as lieutenant governor.
University President Merrick Gertler said the school is honored to have Onley as its special ambassador for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games.
“We send our deepest condolences to the Onley family at this very sad time. We will miss this true gentleman,” Gertler said in a statement posted on Twitter.
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